Seat-back spring.



R. E. SCHULTZ.

SEAT BACK SPRING.

APPLICATlON man mac. 21. m4.

L15Qfi3U, Patented Aug. 31, 1915.

3 SHEETSSHEET I.

R. E. SCHULTZ.

SEAT BACK SPRING.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 21. I914.

1,1 WQSQQ Patented Aug. 31, 1915.

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SEAT BACK SPRING.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 21. 1914.

Patented Aug. 31, 1915.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

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WITNESSES 4i @zmm Br I A TTOHNEV RICHARD E. SCHULTZ, 0F DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

SEAT-BACK SPRING.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 31, 19115.

Application filed December 21, 1914. Serial No. 878,277.

To all 21-71 am. it may concern:

Be it known that I, RICHARD E. SCHULTZ, a citizen of Canada, residing at Detroit, in the county of lVayne and State of Michigan, have invented a new and useful Seat-Back Spring, of which the following is a speci fication.

This invention relates to seat-back springs for vehicles, especiallyfor automobile tonneaus, and the object of the invention is to provide very cheaply means whereby particularly the upper part of the seat-back shall be rendered soft and resilient, and whereby the upholstering material necessarily used may be rendered a minimum; also to provide a construction in which lat eral stresses caused by the swinging of the upper parts of the bodies of the various users may be transferred latera ly across the spring and yet may be largely taken up before reaching that part of the spring opposite an adjacent user, whereby unnecessarv fatigue of the latter is avoided.

The invention consists in the details of construction shown, described and particu larly pointed out in the claims. I

Certain features of the present invention are quite similar to those of the construction disclosed in the patent to Schultz and Sweeney, No. 999,678, dated August 1st,

1911, but the present spring is much cheaper than that of the patent, and the spiral springs are better supported.

In the accompanying drawings Figure 1 is a front elevation of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a side view thereof. Fig. 3 is a side View corresponding to Fig. 1 but showing a slight modification of the upper portion. Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic fragmentary front elevation of a modified form of spring. Fig. 5 is a side elevation thereof. Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic fragmentary front elevation of a second modification. Fig. 7 is a side elevation thereof. Fig. 8 is a fragmentary front elevation of a third modification. Fig.

9 is a side view thereof. Fig. 10 is a fragmentary front elevation of a fourth modification. Fig. 11 is a side view corresponding to Fig. 10. Fig. 12 'is a fragmentary front elevation of a fifth modification. Fig. 13 is a side view thereof. Fig. 14 is a fragmentary front elevation of a sixth modification and Fig. 15 is a side view thereof.

Similar reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views.

which extends a cross-bars 2 and 4 and the strips 3 may each Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, 1 indicates the upper portion of the frame of a seat- Iliack of ordinary construction. This frame as of the shoulders of the average user a crossbar 2, and rising from the latter at intervals are the strips 3, across the upper ends of second cross-bar 4. The

be formed of a flat piece or bar of metal, and they may be riveted or otherwise secured together at points of contact to constitute a frame for the spring construction. As shown in Fig. 2,

the upper edge of the frame of the seatback, after which they may again be bent upwardly at the point 6 and extend outwardly a short distance as indicated at 7 in Fig. 3, however, the strips extend straight upwardly along the seat-back frame until they reach the upper forward edge of the latter, or substantially this position.

Rising from the bar 2 at intervals is a sesprings 12 that may be connected to the cross-bar 4 in any desired manner; for example, by tangs l3 struck from the bar and bent over laterally around the spring. It will be noticed that in the constructions shown, but one of vided for each one of the outer springs 10, while there are two for each one of the in-' termediate springs 10, whereby the latter are more securely braced against movement in either direction crosswise of the seatback. It is obvious, however, that if desired, a second diagonal spring may also be provided for each of the end springs. The details of the springs 12 may be varied considerably, that may be formed by bending an ordinary wire first in one direction and then another in a single plane, as indicated in Fig. 1. At points where the diagonal springs cross each other, they may be joined by Wire clips 15, 110

and they may be bent, if desired, around the periphery of the upper ends of the intermeextending across it at about the height 60 the strips 3 may be bent 70 'backwardly at the points 5 to extend over .2 and 85 these springs 12 is pro- 95 but I prefer to use flat ribbons .to considerable variation, as is the shape and position of the tangs 13. but it is desirable to locate the latter vertically above the corresponding spiral springs and to make them of a width great enough to give a substantial base to the ends of the arched springs, whereby any tendency of said arched springs to twist may be overcome. It is also desirable in certain instances to connect the upper ends of the outer springs 10 to the cross-bar & by an arched spring 18 (of the same general type as the springs 12) that may extend in a vertical plane and connect to the tang 13 directly above the corresponding spiral spring 10.

The modified spring construction, Figs. -l and 5. difi'ers from that heretofore described merely in that the flat arched springs 12 are replaced by spiral springs 20; and in the modification shown in Figs. 6 and T the latter are in turn'replaced by thin resilient strips 21. It will be obvious that the upper ends of the frame may. in either instance, be bent backwardly in a manner similar to that. shown in Fig. 2 if desired. These figures serve also to indicate very .generally the relation of the spring construction to the seat-frame. in that the bottom 22 of the frame is shown as well as the back 1.

1n the embodiment of my invention shown in Figs. 10 and 11. the bars L5. corresponding to the bars 3. are continued downwardly past ,the longitudinal bar 2 and have their ends joined by a third longitudinal bar or strip 26. The arched springs 2T.whose function is similar to that of the springs 12. are in this instance continued downwardly over the row of coil springs 10. and have their lower ends secured to the bar 26. preferably by tangs 2 similar to the tangs 13. If desired, the lower portions of adjacent springs may be coupled together by clips 29': and the springs may be joined at crossing points by wires (not shown) corresponding to the wires 15. It will be seen that. in this construction. the coil springs are more securely braced than those shown in Figs. 1 to T. inclusive, but it is clear that the arched springs andframes of the former might also be extended below the cross-bar 2.

Figs. 8 and 9 indicate one way in which the present in ention may be applied to a spring construction having two rows of spiral springs 10. As shown therein. the arched springs 12 are continued downwardly at 31 past the front ends of the upper and lower rows of spiral springs. being wired or otherwise secured thereto at points 32. and are finally anchored to the lower cross-bar 33 of the frame at 34. Instead of the two portions 31. single strands 35 may join the spiral springs together, and the spiral springs of the lower row may be connected to the lower cros-bar by the strands 36. as indicated in dashed lines. Fig. 3.

The ends pieces 3. Figs. 12 and 13. are joined by an intermediate cross-bar to from which a row of auxiliary spiral springs 41. preferably of less strength than the springs 10. rise to support the intersections of the arched springs. This construction allows the springs 10 to be arranged a greater distance below the upper edge of the seat-back than those heretofore described and yet retains the resiliency of the arch. It is also desirable in certain cases to connect adjacent intersection points by he longitudinal springs 42. whereby the upholstering material is prevented from sagging between the. arched springs.

The construction just described is also applied in the modification shown in Figs. 1% and 15. but. instead of terminating at the first row of springs 10. the frame is continued downwardly as shown in Fig. 3 and is provided with a second intermediate cross-bar 44. The lower ends of the springs 12 are. in this instance. bent around the sides of the upper row of springs 10 and secured thereto by clips 45. after which they are extended diagonally downwa 'd to adjacent springs 10 of the lower row. being secured thereto by clips -l6 and finally anchored to the lower cross-bar 33 by the tangs 34-. The intersections of the wires 12 between the rows of springs 10 may be supported by the auxiliary spiral springs 4T that rise from the cross-bar H and correspond in strength to the springs 111.

It will be noted that the springs 41 are shown in each case substantially perpendicular to the curvature of the arch at the intersection point: they may be arranged perpendicular to the frame. It is obvious also that the frames shown in Figs. 12 to 13 inclusive may be extended upwardly along the seat-back in the manner indicated in Fig; 3 instead of being otl'set at the points 5. i

The various arched springs resiliently hold the upper ends of the spiral springs in position to take the principal thrusts which the construction receives and they transfer the horizontal components of these thrusts laterally across the seat for some distance. whereby they are gradually absorbed. The arched springs also constitute a direct resilient support for the heads and necks of the users. and together form a surface upon which the upholstering material may be spaced from the frame of the seat-back. whereby a considerable saving in upholstering material results over the amount required where no arches are used.

It is clear that many changes may be made in the details of construction without de parting from the spirit of my invention: for example, the angle at which the arched springs are inclined may be varied. I do not, therefore, wish to be limited otherwise i the frame of the spring at points in proxim ity to the edge of the frame of the seat-back. 2. In combination with the frame of a seat back, a seat-back-spring construction 4 comprising a frame formed of longitudinal bill and transverse bars secured together, a row of coil springs projecting forwardly from the last-mentioned frame in a plane somewhat below the upper edge of the first n1entioned frame, and a series of arched springs extending from the outer ends of the coil springs and" connected to the frame of the spring at points in proximity to the edge of the frame of the seat-back, some of the series that extend from the upper ends of the intermediate members of the row being inclined in one direction from a vertical plane passing through the corresponding member, and others of the series extending from the upper ends of the same springs in planes inclined in the opposite direction from the corresponding vertical planes.

3. In combination with the frame of a seatback, a seat-back-spring construction comprising a frame formed of longitudinal and transverse bars secured together, a row of coil springs projecting forwardly from the last-mentioned frame in a plane somewhat below the upper edge of the first mentioned frame, and ,a series of arched springs extending from the outer ends of the coil springs and connected to the frame of the spring at points in proximity to the edge of the frame of the seat-back, some of the series that extend from the upper ends of the intermediate members of the row being inclined in one direction from a vertical plane passing through the corresponding member, and others of the series extending from the upper ends of the same springs in planes inclined in the opposite direction from the corresponding vertical planes, and

crosslng the oppositely inclined arched springs that extend from the adjacent coil springs in the row.

4. In combination with the frame of a seat-back, a seat-back-spring construction comprising a frame formed of longitudinal and transverse bars secured together. a row of coil springs projecting forwardly from the last-mentioned frame in a plane somewhat below the upper edge of the first mentioned frame, and a series of arched springs extending from the outer ends of the coil springs and connected to the frame of the spring at points in proximity to the edge of the frame of the seat-back, some of the series that extend from the upper ends of the intermediate members of the row being inclined in one direction from a vertical plane passing through the corresponding member, and others of the series extending from the upper ends of the same springs in planes inclined in the opposite direction from the corresponding vertical planes, and crossing the oppositely inclined arched springs that extend from the adjacent coil springs in the row, and means for securing the arched springs together at the crossing points whereby they are caused to mutually cooperate in carrying lateral stresses to which the coil springs are subjected.

5. A seat-back-spring construction comprising a frame formed of longitudinal and transverse bars secured together, a row of coil springs projecting forwardly from the frame in a plane somewhat below the upper level of the seat-back to which itis to be secured, and a series of arched ribbon springs connecting the forward portion of the coil springs to the upper end of the frame, some of said arched springs being arranged in planes inclined to the plane through the axes of the members of the row of coil sprmgs.

6. In combination with the frame of a seat-back, a seat-back-spring construction comprising a frame formed of longitudinal and transverse bars secured together, a row of coil springs projecting forwardly from the last-mentioned frame in a plane somewhat below the upper edge of the first mentioned frame, a series of arched springs ex tending from the outer ends of the coil springs in planes inclined to the plane passing through the axes of the members of the row of coil springs and being connected to the frame of the spring at points in proximity to the edge of the frame of the seatback, and a row of auxiliary coil springs projecting from the frame and supporting the arched springs at point-s intermediate of the ends of the respective arches.

7. In combination with the frame of a seatback, a s'eat-back-spring construction comprising a frame formed of longitudinal and transverse bars secured together, a row of coil springs project-ing forwardly from the last-mentioned frame in a plane somewhat below the upper edge of the first mentioned frame, a series of arched springs extending from the outer ends of the coil springs and connected to the frame of the spring at points in proximity to the edge of the frame of the seat-back, some of the series that extend from the upper ends of the intermediate. members of the row being inclined in one direction from a vertical plane passing through the corresponding member, and others of the series extending from the i upper: ends of the same springs in planes inclined in the opposite direction from the corresponding vertical planes, and crossing the oppositely inclined arched springs that extend from the adjacent coil springs in the row, and a row of auxiliary coil springs projecting from the frame and supporting the tending from the outer ends of the coil springs in planes inclinedto the plane passing through the axes of the members of the row ,of coil springs and being connected to the frame of the spring at points in proximity to the edge of the frame of the seatback, and a row of auxiliary coil springs projecting from the frame and supporting the arched springs at points intermediate of the ends of the respective arches, said auxiliary springs being substantially perpendicular to the curvature of the arch at the point of contact.

9. In combina bn with the frame of a seat-back, a sealt-back-spring construction comprising a frame formed of longitudinal and transverse bars secured together, a row of coil springs projecting forwardly from the last-mentioned frame in a plane somewhat below the upper edge of the first mentioned frame,.and a series of springs extending from the outer ends of the coil springs in planes inclined to' the plane passing through the axes of-the members of the row of coil springs and being connected the frame of the spring at points IIIPI'OXIIDltY to the edge of the frame of the seat-back.

10. In combination with the frame of a seat-back, 'a seat-back-sprin'g construction comprising a frameformedof longitudinal and transverse bars secured together, a row of coil springs projectingforwardly from the last-mentioned frame in a plane somewhat below the upper edge of the first mentioned frame, and a series of springs extending from the outer ends of the coil springs and connected to the frame of the spring at points in proximity to the edge of the frame of the seat-back, some of the series that extend from the upper ends of the intermediate members of the row being inclined in one direction from a vertical plane passing through the corresponding member, and others of the series extending from the upper ends of the same springs in planes inclined in the opposite direction from the corresponding vertical planes.

11. In combination with the frame of a seat-back a seat-back-spring construction comprising a frame formed of longitudinal and transverse bars secured together, a row of coil springs projecting forwardly from the last-mentioned frame in a plane somewhat below the upper edge of the first mentioned frame, and a series of springs extending from the outer ends of the coil springs and connected to the frame of the spring at points in proximity to the edge of the frame of the seat-back, some of the series that extend from the upper ends of the intermediate members of the row being inclined in one direction from a vertical plane passing through the corresponding member, and others ofthe series extending from the upper ends of the same springs in planes inclined in the opposite direction from the corresponding vertical planes, and crossing the oppositely inclined springs that extend from the adjacent coil springs in the row, and means for securing the springs together at the crossing points whereby they are caused to mutually cooperate in carrying lateral stresses to which the coil springs are subjected.

12. In a seat-back spring construction, the combination of a support, a row of helical springs mounted on the support and projecting forwardly therefrom, and pairs of resilient members extending divergently rearwardly and upwardly from the helical springs to said support to restrain the helical springs from moving laterally and to support upholstering.

13. In a seat-back spring constructiomthe combination of a support, a series of helical springs mounted on the support and projecting forwardly therefrom, and resilient arches extending upwardly, rearwardly and laterally from the outer ends of said helical springsand connecting to said support to restrain lateral movement of the outer ends of the helical springs and to support upholstering.

14. In a seat-back spring construction, the combination of a supporting frame, a row of helical springs mounted on the frame and projecting forwardly therefrom, and a series of resilient members extending from the outer ends of the helical springs upwardly, rearwardly and laterally to said frame, some being inclined in one direction and some inclined in the opposite direction and crossing the others, said resilient members serving to restrain lateral movements of the outer ends of the helical springs and to support uphol' stering.

15. In a seat-back spring constructiomthe combination of a supporting frame, a row of helical springs mounted on the frame and projecting forwardly therefrom, a series of wardly and laterally reslllent members extending from the outer ends of the helical springs upwardly, rearto said frame, some being inclined in one direction and some in-' clined in the opposite direction and crossing the others, said resilient members serving to restrain lateral movements of the outer ends of the helical springs and to support upholstering, and springs to support the resilient members at their points of crossing.

16. In a seat spring construction, the combination of a support, a row of helical springs mounted on the support and projecting outwardly therefrom, and pairs of resilient members extending divergently laterally and baokwardly from the outer ends of the helical springs to said support to restrain the helical springs from moving later ally and to support upholstering.

In testimony whereof I sign this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

v RICHARD E. SCHULTZ. 

